The cardio of Khamzat Chimaev has been a big discussion ahead of UFC 319.
‘Borz’ has become synonymous with his quick first-round finishes, but has made fights close when they have gone to the judges’ scorecards.
His opponent, UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, is known for his ability to go the full five rounds if necessary with an impeccable gas tank.
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While a legend believes Du Plessis is in for a ‘rude awakening’, the South African has backed himself to finish the fight in any way he wants at any time.
Former UFC star believes Khamzat Chimaev’s training could make a difference against Dricus Du Plessis
Although Chimaev has struggled against Kamaru Usman over three rounds, the Chechen has made some slight changes to his training camp for the upcoming title clash, which one former UFC star believes will help.
Darren Till, one-time welterweight title challenger, has been great friends with ‘The Wolf’ since the Russian came into the MMA organisation, having been a part of some of his training camps.
In an interview with SecondsOut, he confirmed he was asked to be involved in the preparations for the Dricus fight but declined due to his Misfits fight with Luke Rockhold.
Speaking on the main event in Chicago, Till said: “I think it’s a f- – -ing brilliant fight. If Dricus can weather the first two rounds, he’s got a good chance of beating Khamzat but I think Khamzat’s going to be ready for the five rounds.
“I trained with Arman Tsarukyan out in Thailand. Arman trains very intelligently. He’s probably got Khamzat training the same as well. So I’m looking forward to the fight.
The Scouser had his run-in with the current middleweight champion in 2022, when he lost via submission in the 31-year-old’s fourth fight in Dana White’s company.
So he knows all too well the tricky style of the awkward MMA star, and believes the challenger has not faced anyone like him before.
“Maybe he had a little bit with Gilbert, but no. It’s a very tough style,” he said.
“So big and so strong, he’s a really dominant force, Dricus, you’ve got to give him his due. He comes in with a presence.”
Dricus Du Plessis dominated Darren Till in their 2022 fight
Till’s 2022 battle with ‘Stillknocks’ was a very dominant display by the recent debutant, who threw and landed double the number of strikes as his opponent on the night.
Moreover, his 100% takedown defence of the six times Darren attempted one made for a very intelligent display on the mat.
After acquiring five minutes of control, the ‘King of Africa’ took his back and sunk in a nasty neck crank to finish Liverpool’s own.
Striking is the most effective weapon for Dricus in the bout because the strength of wrestling from Chimaev poses a huge risk to regaining his championship strap.